Tel Aviv-based Therapix Biosciences Ltd. (NASDAQ: TRPX), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focusing on the development of cannabinoid-based treatments, announced positive results in its pre-clinical studies evaluating THX-160, a drug candidate for the treatment of pain.
The drug, a CB2 receptor agonist, was synthesized by Raphael Mechoulam, Ph.D., Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the Hebrew University, and a member of the Therapix Scientific Advisory Board.
Opioids are considered the most effective treatment for moderate-to-severe pain, but their abuse has been identified as a public health issue.
In the preclinical studies, THX-160 was well tolerated and did not cause significant side effects. Efficacy studies demonstrated it was comparable to high-dose morphine analgesic effects and in some instances exerted greater potency. The efficacy and safety of THX-160 was shown for both acute and chronic pain.
“This encouraging data, along with prior published preclinical efficacy results…reinforce our belief that…THX-160 has a favorable safety and efficacy profile (to) address the unmet need for…safe oral pain therapies with improved patient quality of life,” said Dr. Adi Zuloff-Shani, Chief Technology Officer at Therapix.
“Based on the results…, we believe THX-160 has the potential to be a new treatment option for pain patients, and reduce the risks of opiate addiction,” said Dr. Ascher Shmulewitz, Chairman and CEO.
Therapix Biosciences’ R&D efforts focus on advancing the scientific work of Prof. Rafael Mechoulam, a leader in cannabis research. Its focus is creating a portfolio of cannabinoid pharmaceuticals. It is currently engaged in drug development programs based on repurposing an FDA-approved cannabinoid (Dronabinol) as follows:
-THX-110 for treatment of Tourette syndrome (TS), Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and Pain;
-THX-130 for the treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI);
-THX-150 for the treatment of infectious diseases;
-THX-160 for the treatment of pain.
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Source Therapix press release